What’s the best way to train a horse for better handling?

Taming and bonding with horses in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a core gameplay mechanic that significantly impacts your experience. Horses are your primary mode of transportation, and their handling, speed, and stamina improve as you bond with them. To train a horse for better handling, you need to focus on bonding, calming, and consistent care.\n\nFirst, locate a wild horse in the open world. Wild horses can be found in specific regions like the Heartlands, Big Valley, or near the Dakota River. Approach the horse slowly by holding the left trigger (LT on Xbox, L2 on PlayStation) to focus on it. Press the calm button (Square on PlayStation, X on Xbox) repeatedly to soothe the horse as you get closer. If the horse becomes agitated, stop moving and continue calming it until it settles.\n\nOnce close enough, press the prompt to mount the horse. The horse will buck and try to throw you off. Use the left stick to balance and keep Arthur centered while repeatedly pressing the calm button. This mini-game requires patience and timing. If you fail, the horse will run away, and you’ll need to start over. Successfully mounting the horse is the first step to taming it.\n\nAfter taming, the horse becomes temporarily yours, but you must bond with it to improve handling. Bonding is achieved through consistent interaction. Start by patting the horse (press G on PC or the calm button on consoles) and feeding it. Apples, hay, and wild carrots are excellent food options. You can also brush the horse to clean it, which increases bonding. These actions are essential for building trust and improving the horse’s responsiveness.\n\nRiding the horse is another critical bonding activity. As you ride, the horse’s stamina and health cores will deplete. Use the horse’s stamina wisely by tapping the sprint button (X on PlayStation, A on Xbox) rhythmically to avoid exhausting it. Over time, the horse’s stamina and handling will improve, making it easier to navigate rough terrain and escape danger. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, with each level unlocking new abilities like rearing, drifting, and better overall control.\n\nTo maximize handling, avoid stressful situations like riding through dense forests or near predators. Horses can become spooked, leading to poor handling or even throwing you off. If your horse gets scared, calm it immediately by pressing the calm button. Additionally, equip a better saddle and stirrups from stables like the one in Valentine or Saint Denis. These items improve stamina drain rate and handling, making your horse more reliable.\n\nFor experienced players, consider taming rare breeds like the Arabian or Turkoman for superior stats. The White Arabian, found near Lake Isabella, is one of the best horses in the game. However, it requires patience and skill to tame due to its skittish nature. Once bonded, these horses offer exceptional handling and speed, making them ideal for long journeys or combat scenarios.\n\nIn summary, training a horse for better handling involves taming, bonding, and consistent care. Focus on calming the horse, feeding it, and riding regularly to increase bonding levels. Equip better gear and avoid stressful situations to maintain control. With patience and practice, your horse will become a reliable companion, enhancing your overall gameplay experience.